Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016

VOL. 16 NO. 10

Heating It Up

A Look at Hot Mineral Baths

P8-9

Co-op

News

Scholarships Available for Dependants of Members Basin Electric Power Cooperative is again offering college scholarships to more than 160 students in the eightstate region served by its members. The scholarships are for the 2016-2017 school year.

Each of the 127 member cooperatives of Basin Electric, including Bon Homme Yankton Electric, will award scholarships to dependents of consumers. In addition, 20 scholarships will be awarded to dependents of member-system employees and 20 will go to dependents of employees of Basin Electric and its subsidiaries.

Bon Homme Yankton Electric will be giving out two $500 scholarships to dependents of Bon Homme Yankton Electric members.

The scholarship program recognizes and encourages the academic achievements of students in its region.

It also serves as an investment in the

economic future of rural areas.

Applicants for the scholarships must be US citizens and the dependents of member-system employees or consumers, or of active, full-time employees of Basin Electric or its subsidiaries. Applicants also must be students enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate or graduate course of study at an accredited, twoyear or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on a combination of SAT/ACT scores and overall grade-point average, work experience, participation in school and community activities, a personal statement of career goals and a written recommendation by a third party.

Applications for the 2016-2017 school year will be accepted until February 12, 2016 and winners will be announced by April 1. Each member

New Employee Wesley Kloucek Wesley Kloucek started work December 7th as an apprentice electrician. Wes is filling the void left when Bill Showers retired and Bob Felber moved into the Member Service Advisor position. Wes will be working with Electrical Contractor Kevin Meyer on service work for the members and the cooperative.

Wes is a 2010 graduate of Bon Homme High School. He was working through the Dakota's JATC apprenticeship program at Thompson Electric in Sioux Falls.

Wes and his wife, Danielle, are excited to be back in the Bon HommeYankton area after working the past few years in Sioux Falls.

Welcome to the cooperative Wes! 2 Februar y 2016 • Cooperative Connections

cooperative will select the scholarship winners from its consumers’ children applicant pool.

A Basin Electric selection committee will decide the 40 scholarship winners from the member system employee group and the Basin Electric and subsidiary employee group.

For more information and for a scholarship application form, contact Bon Homme Yankton Electric, your school’s guidance counselor or visit our website: www.byelectric.coop.

Applications must be returned to Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063 by 4:30pm, February 12, 2016.

LED Security Lights Bon Homme Yankton Electric has made the commitment to replace security lights that are rented by the members with LED light fixtures and bulbs.

LED lights are energy efficient and will last longer than the old sodium or mercury vapor lights.

These will be replaced on an as needed basis.

The new style of light will take a little getting used to versus the old yellow light that bathed the farm yard.

If your security light needs repair or you want to add a light, visit with Member Service Advisor Bob Felber regarding the options available.

Board

Report

2016 Budget Approved (USPS No. 018-973)

Bon Homme Yankton Electric Assn, Inc. PO Box 158 134 S Lidice Tabor, SD 57063 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm

To Report an Outage Call: Local From Tabor, Tyndall and Yankton 605-463-2507 or Toll Free in South Dakota 1-800-925-2929 NOTICE: Electric bills must be paid by 10:00am on the 20th of each month to avoid a $10 late fee.

The board approved the 2016 operating budget as presented. The budget may be adjusted after the union contract is finalized and after the completion of the cost of service study which will aid in the analysis of revenues that will be needed in 2016 to comply with the financial guidelines required by our lenders.

The board approved the write off of uncollectable electric accounts in the amount of $2,128.71.

Eide Bailly LLC was hired to complete the 2015 audit and 990 tax return.

The board reviewed Policy 10-04 Distributed Generation Interconnection as required annually by the policy and by the Rural Utilities Service mortgage.

John Lillevold was selected as delegate to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association annual meeting with M.J. Goehring as alternate.

Goehring was selected as delegate to the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative annual meeting with Lillevold as alternate.

The board approved a donation to the new 4-H Exhibit Building at the State Fairgrounds.

Teri Wallace from National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation will attend the January board meeting to review the Key Ratio Trends Analysis.

Welcome New Members Yankton Josh Law Wade Stahl Becky Brown Dana Larson Michael Darcy Abraham Schlott Jodelle Ferguson Jeffrey A Heier Jr

Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections is published monthly by Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc., PO Box 158, 134 S. Lidice St., Tabor, SD 57063-0158 for its members. Families subscribe to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connection’s purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better rural living. Subscription information: Electric cooperative members devote $6.00 from their electric payments annually for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tabor, SD 57063 and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections, Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, S.D. 57063 TELEPHONE (605)463-2507: FAX (605) 463-2419.

Design assistance by TDG Communications, Deadwood, S.D.

Statement of Non-Discrimination This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Cooperative Connections • Februar y 2016 3

Safety

Tips

Current Issues

Protect Your Older Home from Electrical Hazards According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), half of all homes in the United States were built before the advent of automatic coffeemakers or garage door openers, and one-third were built before hair dryers or electric can openers. Add to that computers, cell phones and other electrical devices and you have a great many residences with potential electric wiring problems.

Research from ESFI shows that faulty or overloaded wiring accounts for an estimated 67,800 fires, 500 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries each year and a whopping $868 million in property damage. By educating yourself about common hazards in older homes and installing lifesaving electrical safety devices, these risks can be reduced greatly.

The lifesaving technology available includes: • AFCIs – an outlet that recognizes fire hazards and immediately shuts off power.

• GFCIs – an outlet that senses when water comes into contact and cuts out to prevent electrocution.

• Tamper-Resistant Outlets – designed to protect children from inserting small objects into them.

In addition to installing the technology above, here are some additional safety tips: • Make sure functioning smoke alarms are installed on every floor and in every sleeping area.

• Look for telltale signs of electrical problems such as dimming lights, frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses.

• Limit use of extension cords, particularly cords used to power room air conditioners.

• Use lightbulbs that are the proper wattage for a fixture; higher wattage bulbs can degrade wires.

Source: ESFI; Consumer Product Safety Commission

Kids’ Corner Safety Poster “Don’t touch power lines” Cole Kieffer, 5 years old

Cole is the son of Mike and Brittany Kieffer, Kennebec, S.D. They are members of West Central Electric Cooperative, Murdo, S.D. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.

4 Februar y 2016 • Cooperative Connections

Congress Votes Against EPA Clean Power Plan Congress registered its disapproval of how the Obama Administration wants to proceed on climate change with overwhelming votes against the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan.

Following Senate votes, the House on Dec. 1 passed two resolutions of disapproval regarding the regulation that targets carbon dioxide emissions from existing fossil fuel generation.

The House voted 242-180 for Senate Joint Resolution 24 to halt the Clean Power Plan and 235-188 for Senate Joint Resolution 23 to block EPA’s carbon dioxide standard for new, modified or reconstructed plants.

President Obama has said he will veto the resolutions. Proponents contend that the votes show widespread opposition to the EPA rule for the next administration to consider.

The Clean Power Plan became law Dec. 22, 2015, and will require states to reduce carbon dioxide produced within their borders by slashing power plant emissions beginning in 2022.

Electric cooperatives say the rule will force some coal units into premature retirement, threaten reliability and hammer members with more expensive electricity to replace the lost generation.

Lisa Johnson, CEO of Seminole Electric Cooperative in Tampa, Fla., told the White House officials how the EPA rule will shutter the co-op’s 1,300-megawatt generating station in Putnam County and cost the financiallychallenged area more than 300 jobs.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., whose district includes more than 200,000 electric co-op members, underscored Seminole’s concerns to his House colleagues prior to the vote on the resolutions.

“If the EPA forces the plant to close prematurely, these jobs are at risk and rural electric cooperative members like my constituents will still have to pay for the closed plant in their rates through 2042, while also paying for a new electricity source,” Bilirakis said.

– By Cathy Cash, ECT.coop Staff Writer

Reader

recipes

Bountiful Brunch amish Breakfast Casserole 1 lb. bacon, diced 1/2 cup diced onion 8 eggs 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

1/4 tsp. pepper 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1-1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese 1-1/2 cups 2% cottage cheese

In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crispy; drain. In large bowl, lightly beat eggs.

Stir in hash browns, pepper and cheeses. Add bacon and onions, stirring well. Transfer to greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F. for 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Amy Schoenfelder, Cavour

easy Cinnamon pull-aparts 2 (16.3 oz.) cans Grands!® refrigerated biscuits 1/2 cup sugar 1 T. cinnamon

1 stick butter 1 cup brown sugar 2 T. milk 1 tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan with shortening or cooking spray. In large storage plastic food bag, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Separate dough into 16 biscuits. Shake in bag to coat. Arrange standing in pan. In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar and milk. Heat until dissolved and bubbly around edges; remove from heat. Add vanilla. Pour over biscuits.

Bake for 30 minutes. May sprinkle walnuts or pecans in bottom of pan before adding biscuits.

Pam Hofer, Carpenter

Breakfast enchiladas 2 cups cubed cooked ham 1/2 cup chopped onions 1/2 cup chopped green peppers or 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies 10 8-inch flour or corn tortillas

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided 1 T. flour 2 cups half-and-half 6 eggs, beaten 1/4 tsp. salt

Ham and almond pastry ring 1/2 cup chive and onion cream cheese spread 2 T. Caesar salad dressing 1 cup ham, diced 1 large apple, seeded and chopped 1/2 cup grapes, red or green, quartered

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced 2 (8 oz.) cans refrigerated crescent rolls 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup almonds, finely chopped

In large bowl, blend cream cheese spread and dressing. Add ham, apple, grapes, onion and green pepper; gently stir until coated. Set aside. Line a large baking sheet with heavy foil. Lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray. Unroll both cans of crescent rolls and separate. On prepared baking sheet, arrange triangles overlapping with shortest side of each roll toward center leaving 5-inch circle open in center. Points of crescent dough may hang over edge of baking sheet. Press overlapping dough to flatten and close center circle to 4-inches. Spoon mixture evenly over widest part of dough. Pull points of dough over filling and tuck dough under dough in center to form ring.

(Some filling will be visible.) Brush dough evenly with beaten egg and sprinkle with almonds. Bake at 375°F. for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden and pastry in inner circle is baked. (If necessary, loosely cover outer edge of pastry with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.) Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Using large spatula, slide onto large serving platter. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 385 calories; 23 g total fat (8 g saturated fat); 58 mg cholesterol; 30 g carbohydrates; 1 g fiber; 12 g protein; 573 mg sodium Pictured, Cooperative Connections

sunday Morning Coffee Cake 2 T. butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 egg 2/3 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 tsp. baking powder Topping: 1/4 cup sugar 2 T. all-purpose flour 1 T. ground cinnamon 1/4 cup cold butter

In a small mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar and salt until crumbly. Add egg, milk and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour and baking powder; add to butter mixture. Transfer to a greased 8-inch square baking dish. For topping, in a small bowl, combine sugar, flour and cinnamon; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 350°F. for 25 to 30 minutes.

Stephanie Fossum, Hudson

Combine ham, onions and peppers. Place about 1/3 cup down the center of each tortilla; top with 2 T. cheese. Roll up and place seam-side down in a 9x13-inch greased baking dish. In a bowl, combine flour, cream, eggs and salt; mix until smooth. Pour over tortillas. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Leaving tortillas covered, bake at 350°F. for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with salsa and sour cream if desired.

Beat egg whites and set aside. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks. Add buttermilk, flour, salt and soda; stir. Add beaten egg whites. Fry on hot griddle.

Jan Gossman, Bison

Linda Rauscher, Aberdeen

Good pancakes 2 egg whites 2 egg yolks 2-1/2 cups buttermilk

2 cups flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda

Please send your favorite seafood, appetizer, beverage and casserole recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2016.

All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.

Cooperative ConneCtions • Februar y 2016 5

Energy Efficiency

Notes

Keeping Your Pets

(and Your Energy Bill!) Comfortable Dear Pat: I recently adopted a dog, but I work during the day. I want to make sure he stays comfortable without making my electrical bill go haywire. Can you offer any tips? – Annie D. Dear Annie: Congratulations on your new furry family member! It’s a good idea to think about your energy bills.

Patrick Keegan I remember working with a Collaborative Efficiency homeowner concerned about their high energy bills and discovered an uninsulated double garage was being heated all winter to keep the dog warm!

Keeping your pet comfortable and entertained when you’re away doesn’t have to take a bite out of your energy bill.

Pet owners often assume their indoor pets want the same level of cooling and heating as the rest of the family. However, most dogs and cats can be comfortable with a wider range of temperatures. An exception might be an older pet or one with medical issues, which might require consultation with your veterinarian.

Here are a few tips to keep your pet cozy without cranking up the thermostat: • A cozy, insulated doghouse might be all your outdoor dog needs, except on the very coldest days.

• Make sure that your indoor pet has a warm place to sleep, like a pet bed with a blanket. Consider giving him a few sleeping options throughout your home in different temperature zones, so your pet can adjust his comfort as needed.

• If you have a very drafty home or an older pet who may appreciate more warmth, a heated pet bed or bed warmer will use far less energy than running your central heating high all day. This solution can also be good for those who keep their pets in the garage and worry about them staying warm enough. Instead of heating a large, uninsulated space,

provide a nice warm bed! If you only plug in the heated beds when needed, they will use far less energy.

Those with unique pets, like birds or lizards, may need to keep them in warmer environments. Consider moving these pets to a room that can be easily kept warm, but note that this may change over the course of a year. David Bopp, an energy advisor at Flathead Electric Cooperative in Montana, shared that he performed an energy audit for a member with tropical birds kept in a sunroom at more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While this temperature was easy to reach in the summer, winter weather – combined with the sunroom’s windows – resulted in very high heating bills.

Pet doors are popular, but they can also be a major air leak that drives up your energy use. When purchasing a pet door, make sure it has energy-efficient features, like thick construction, weather sealing and the ability to be closed off when not in use. Some newer models have magnet or battery locks: a small magnet or sensor on your pet’s collar opens the door and the rest of the time, the door is shut tight, keeping out other critters – as well as blowing wind and snow!

Some people also leave their televisions or radios on while they’re away, thinking that the voices will keep their pets from being bored (and destroying their shoes!). However, there are ways other than flipping a switch to keep your pooches and kitties entertained. Exercising your pet when you’re home and giving them a variety of toys or a nice perch to see out a window when you leave will be more entertaining and less energy intensive than a TV. If you must leave something on when you’re away, try soothing, calm music instead of a blaring TV. We all love our furry family members, but remember, keeping them comfortable doesn’t mean you have to pay more on your monthly bill.

This column was co-written by Patrick Keegan and Amy Wheeless of Collaborative Efficiency. Patrick Keegan writes on energy efficiency for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

Prepare for the dog days of summer When summer comes, you don’t need to leave the air conditioning on full blast for Spot and Fluffy. Dogs and cats have higher body temperatures than humans and they are comfortable with temperatures between 78 degrees Fahrenheit and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, dogs and cats sweat differently than humans, so running fans 6 February 2016 • Cooperative Connections

will not have the same effect it has on you.

Other ways to keep your pets comfortable when it’s warm out include: • For indoor pets, keep shades drawn and direct light filtered. Provide cool areas to rest, such as a basement or a tile floor with a cooling mat. For outdoor pets, provide a shady spot with

plenty of airflow, such as under a tree or a tarp.

• Give them plenty of water, perhaps with ice, and cool treats, like peanut butter popsicles.

• Exercise pets during the cooler parts of the day to prevent heat fatigue.

News

Briefs

Rural Electric Consumers Win Big in 2015 Rural electric consumers across the nation stand to benefit from an array of new and revised laws and rules coming out of Washington, D.C., in 2015.

From increased funding for an efficiency loan program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to improved coordination on cybersecurity and consumer protections against monopoly business practices, policymakers demonstrated they were listening to the concerns of America’s electric cooperatives looking out for their member consumers.

Energy efficiency Congress showed demand response programs some much-needed love, passing the “Energy Efficiency Improvement Act” in April.

The Act paved the way for co-ops to expand the use of large-capacity electric resistance water heaters to reduce electric usage during peak demand times and, thanks to new technology, integrate more renewable resources into the electric power grid. Collectively, the co-op programs can reduce demand by an estimated 500 megawatts, saving consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.

Thanks to the recently-passed Omnibus budget, USDA will have $8 million to fund electric co-op relending programs offering low-interest consumer loans that can be used to cover the cost of energy efficiency improvements. Consumer members can repay these loans from energy savings on their electric bill.

Surface Transportation Board reforms In December Congress passed the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2015, which electric co-ops believe will help level the playing field in pricing disputes with freight rail companies. For years, following the consolidation of railroads, co-ops have been subjected to monopoly practices that have drastically raised shipping costs.

This bill represents the first major changes in freight rail regulation since the

Staggers Act deregulated the business in 1980. Co-ops will continue to work for a dispute resolution process that produces fair and equitable results for electric coops and their consumer members.

Cybersecurity The electric sector, in coordination with federal agencies and Congress, has made significant progress both in cybersecurity research and development and improved standards and planning.

The Omnibus bill signed by the President contained long-sought legislation to promote robust information-sharing about cybersecurity threats between and among federal agencies and the utility industry. Real-time intelligence will be absolutely vital to electric utilities, including America’s electric cooperatives, in the event of a cyber-attack.

A total of 18 co-ops from around the country joined in the electric sector’s national exercise simulating physical and cyber attacks. The drill gave co-ops a chance to put contingency and disaster plans to the test, including plans for responding to a major cyber event.

Endangered species protections Electric co-ops are encouraged by the willingness of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to hear co-op concerns and find solutions that reduce the burden of species protection while accomplishing the goals of the Endangered Species Act. A FWS proposal to list the northern long-eared bat as an endangered species would have put more than 650 co-ops in an untenable position, forced to choose between complying with reliability requirements or species protection requirements. In complying with habitat protection rules enforced by the FWS, co-ops would find themselves out of compliance with reliability standards enforced by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. Co-ops worked with FWS officials to craft a responsible

approach that balances bat preservation and electric reliability. The FWS listed the bat as threatened rather than endangered and finalized a special rule that allows co-ops to carry out the treetrimming needed to maintain reliability.

Environmental regulation The recently enacted “Highway Bill” includes a provision that should help streamline and coordinate environmental reviews of energy infrastructure projects.

This was the first re-write of environmental review laws in nearly 40 years.

The Supreme Court ruled in electric cooperatives’ favor that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should have considered costs when determining the appropriateness and necessity of regulating mercury in the Mercury and Air Toxics regulation finalized several years ago.

Both EPA and the Corps of Engineers clarified that the final Waters of the U.S. rule does not narrow the scope and applicability of general permits. If projects could be conducted under nationwide permits before the rule, they can still be used under the new rule.

NRECA worked diligently to advocate for the interests of America’s notfor-profit, member-owned cooperatives and their 42 million consumer-members all across the country. Every victory that allows co-ops to continue to honor their obligation to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity is a victory for those consumers.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.

Cooperative Connections • February 2016 7

Time for A Good Soak Hot Mineral Baths Provide Relaxation, Restoration

I By Terr y Woster

f George Stroppel’s father hadn’t talked him into taking a course in Swedish massage therapy long ago, the 89-year-old Midland resident might have spent his working life in the saddle of heavy earthmoving equipment.

Instead, Stroppel stepped away from moving dirt to spend his days – and nights – bringing comfort to the bodies and spirits of travelers with hot baths, steams and massages at the Stroppel Inn, a business his father, John Stroppel, started in 1939.

“Dad needed mineral baths for his health,’’

8 February 2016 • Cooperative Connections

George Stroppel said during a recent conversation.

The elder Stroppel, whose lungs were damaged by a childhood illness, found that the warm waters of a well in nearby Capa were soothing. He considered buying that business, decided against the idea and instead opened a hotel in Midland and drilled a deep (nearly 1,800 feet) well to reach hot (115 degrees Fahrenheit), mineral-rich water.

“Things just seemed to click,’’ Stroppel said.

They did, indeed. People began traveling to Midland, many staying at the hotel for 21 days of

baths and massages. Room and board was $15 a week. Stroppel recalls that sometimes the place had so many guests, meals were served in shifts.

Healing powers of hot springs have been touted for centuries in many parts of the world. The website Livestrong.com says warm springs and mineral baths are a natural treatment option for many common ailments, relieving pain, skin problems, stress and more. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose New Deal programs included the Rural Electrification Administration, regularly traveled to Warm Springs, Ga., for treatments.

Several areas in South Dakota have warm-water springs or wells. Perhaps the best advertised is Evans Plunge in Hot Springs. The Plunge has been in operation for more than a century. It has the amenities of a water park, with slides and swinging rings. But it was established in 1890 because the 87-degree spring water was considered a cure-all for almost anything that ailed a body.

Besides tourism and recreation, the Plunge hosts practices of the Fall River Swim Team, says supervisor Kris Hanson. The fun-and-games remain an attraction, but Hanson says she sees a trend toward more customers arriving specifically to soak in the water.

“It feels like we are moving back more in that direction, to where it is about the water,” Hanson says. “People absolutely believe in the water. They swear by it.’’

Back in Midland, the elder Stroppel retired from the business after 10 years. George’s brother, Jack, took over for 17 years, before George became proprietor. He operated the inn and baths until he sold it in 2002. He continues to give massages and customers continue to stop in. A newer well brings in water with a temperature of 119 degrees.

Jeremiah M. Murphy of Rapid City lobbies for several organizations during the annual South Dakota Legislature. He’s a believer in the value of a pause in his travel for a hot soak and steam.

“With all the trips I take to and from Pierre, I’ll find a few occasions a year to stop and have a soak,’’ Murphy said. “It’s great – relaxing, refreshing.’’

It’s especially refreshing after a day of pheasant hunting, he said. Murphy is among the regulars at an annual pheasant hunt in the Highmore area. He usually stops in Midland on his way home.

“It’s a nice antidote to a day of tromping around on uneven ground,’’ Murphy said.

Vickie Droze, who came to Midland from Charleston, S.C., more than four years ago to work at the hotel, bought the business in 2015. She calls Stroppel “Mr. George’’ and she says the customers are like family and Midland is home.

“When I first got here, I thought ‘what am I getting into,’ but it’s just a wonderful place,’’ Droze said. “We get 15, sometimes 20 people a day. It’s about half regulars and half new customers, drawn by the billboards or word-of-mouth. I love it.’’

George Stroppel is convinced of the healing properties of hot water.

“My own conclusion,’’ Stroppel said, “Is that you heat your body and sweat the impurities out of it.

That’s just what makes sense to me.’’

And that massage training? Stroppel’s dad talked him into the course in 1958, but Stroppel never figured to use it. Then one day a trio of travelers asked for massages.

“I said I might hurt them. I’d never done a real one. But they kept asking,’’ Stroppel said. “I must have been like a bear, but they told another guest ‘you haven’t had a massage until you’ve had one from him.’’’

That was in 1966. This spring Stroppel will turn 90, after 50 years of giving massages.

“It’s been a good life,’’ he said. “I sure met a lot of people.’’

I’ll find a few occasions a year to stop and have a soak.

It’s great – relaxing, refreshing.

Above Left: George Stroppel has sold the hotel, but continues to give massages.

Left: One of the baths. Opposite Page: Vickie Droze, who came to Midland from Charleston, S.C., more than four years ago to work at the Stroppel Hotel, bought the business in 2015.

Cooperative Connections • February 2016 9

Co-op

News

Local Scholar Touchstone Energy Cooperative Bon Homme Yankton Electric along with KSFY are pleased to announce that Talitha Greaver of Yankton was selected as a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week. Talitha's segment aired on KSFY the week of January 3-9.

Talitha, daughter of Dani Jo Ninke, has a 4.10 grade point average and is involved in many different activities including: National Honor Society (Vice President), debate (President), oral interpretation, orchestra, Editor of "The Cellar Door" (YHS literary magazine), YHS Young Republicans, and Roll of Excellence. She also studies dance and has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Talitha also donates her time to various community volunteer organizations.

Talitha was nominated by Yankton High School Guidance Counselor Amy Reyes.

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives along with KSFY Television have joined together to recognize the achievements of high school seniors throughout the region. “Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week” has been celebrating the achievements of high school seniors since 2002. Recipients are highly motivated high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community. This program was founded on the four pillars of Touchstone Energy: Integrity, Accountability, Innovation and a Commitment to Community.

What does it take to be a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week? It’s not just about grades or athletic ability. It takes a well-rounded individual that excels in the classroom and the community.

Talitha received $100 from Bon Homme Yankton Electric in recognition of her many accomplishments.

Classifieds

March Issue Deadline: February 1, 2016. Email your classified ad to: by@byelectric.com.

Members can post one free ad per year. Repeats or longer ads are $1/column inch.

FOR RENT: 1 bedroom apartment. Tabor Manor. Contact John at 605-463-2478 or Gary at 605-463-2209.r Thinking about building a home? Don’t pick a floor plan or a builder until you’ve talked with the area’s ONLY Certified Aging-inPlace specialist, Certified Green Professional Builder and ENERGY STAR Partner Builder. Call 4 Life Homes today. 605-661-4488.r Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD for rent for any special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries, graduation or birthdays! For more information contact Linda Bares at 605-661-6220 or snlbares@ gmail.com.r FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605660-0247 or 605-660-3497.r FOR SALE: 3 wheel scooter with swivel Bon Homme Yankton Electric offers seat. Many extras. Great for handicap an $8 credit plus tax per water heater people. Indoor and outdoor use. Only per month. The water heater must be used about 5 hours. Completely able to hooked up to the load control system disassemble for easy transport. $1500 allowing power to be shut off during OBO. Ask about delivery service. Call 605peak electric use times. A minimum of 661-4613 (Tabor).

600 kwh must be used each month to Unique home for sale in Tabor: Two qualify for each credit. houses in one. 2-bedroom,1-bath in For more information regarding water front and 3-bedroom, 2-bath in rear. heater rebates and credits, contact the 2-car garage, large, sunny Florida room, 2-outbuildings. Ideal for elder care, home energy experts in the Member Service business, rental income, perfect for Daycare Department of Bon Homme Yankton Business. Many possibilities. Call Susan or Electric.

Steve 605-463-2257.

Water Heater Credit Adjustment The water heater credit was omitted from the December 1st billing due to an error in the setup of the new computer system.

Adjustments were entered in December and are visible in the Service Summary box of your new invoice.

If you paid the amount on your invoice or the amount was not adjusted before automatic payments were posted, you will have a credit balance carrying over to the new amount due.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Bon Homme Yankton Electric General Manager MJ Goehring presents a check for $100 to Talitha Greaver.

1 0 Februar y 2016 • Cooperative Connections

Haase Heating & Cooling

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Scotland, SD 57059 605-583-4490

We Repair and Install Windshields

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Koranda Well Company LLC Tabor, SD 57063 605 - 463- 2244

Jonsered Mowers - Raven Electric Mowers - Kohler - Briggs & Stratton Small Engine Repair & Major Welding & Pick Up Service

Well drilling, repairing and cleaning Water Systems – Artesian Wells Sales and Installation

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Construction And Painting New Construction Remodel - Roofing Flooring

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Sanders Heating & Cooling 300 W 17th Tyndall, SD 57066

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Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates Handicap and Accessible Home Modifications • Ramps • Grab Bars • Stair Lifts • Walk-in Showers www.4lifehomes.net • Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels

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Warm Air, Air to Air, Geothermal Heat Pumps WE DO EMERGENCY HOME REPAIRS Cooperative Connections • Februar y 2016 1 1

Adding Value:

Dakota Gasification Plant’s Role

I

27 years since Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s membership voted to purchase the Great Plains Synfuels Plant and form Dakota Gasification Company.

It’s no secret that purchasing the facility posed a risk for the cooperative and its membership, but taking bold initiatives had been the basis for founding Basin Electric.

It’s taken some time and innovation, but the value that purchase has provided to Basin Electric and the membership over the years has proven to be significant and can be measured by more than just dollars.

Basin Electric staff conducted a study to show the benefits Dakota Gas brings to Basin Electric and its members. The information was shared during the March board of directors meeting.

When the plant was purchased in 1988, the Synfuels Plant’s value proved to be about $37 million a year considering the fuel supply, power supply and shared facilities.

Around the year 2000, the plant was in a construction phase and then was repaying debt to Basin Electric for several years. By 2008, debt was paid off and dividends were coming back to Basin Electric members. Currently, the plant is in a construction phase again with the urea plant project. t has been nearly

By BEPC

12 February 2016 • Cooperative Connections

Working with several components, the recent study found Dakota Gas brings a benefit of $59 million per year to Basin Electric and its membership. This includes the fuel supply, power supply, shared facilities, allocations and other miscellaneous benefits. To the membership, that equates to a 2.5 mill on-going benefit.

Over the years of operating the Synfuels Plant, the business model has changed significantly from primarily producing natural gas, to producing a slate of products. Currently, the Synfuels Plant produces 10 products including natural gas, anhydrous ammonia, ammonium sulfate, cresylic acid, phenol, krypton-xenon, liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide, naphtha and tar oil. With the completion of the urea plant projected for spring 2017, sales of urea and diesel exhaust fluid will be added to that list of products.

Manager of Financial Planning and Forecasting Andrew Buntrock explains why the value of Dakota Gas has grown. “Several things have changed in the past five years for Basin Electric – mainly that Basin continues to grow at a record pace, so it is not surprising that the benefit that Dakota Gas provides to Basin grew, as well,” Buntrock said.

“We also keep our eye on the historical benefit that Dakota Gas brings to the table from a cash

perspective. This includes the purchase price of the plant, dividends received and the loan advances and repayments, which of course includes interest. At the end of the day, the current cash flow from Dakota Gas to Basin is positive by over $200 million. So if we wrap this all together, we estimate that Dakota Gas has benefited the cooperative by over $1.1 billion since Basin Electric purchased the plant in 1988.”

Additionally, value is added, not monetarily, but with infrastructure. The shared benefits that come with in-house medical services provided to employees cooperative-wide, the use of machine shop services to fix equipment at the power plants and the fire-fighting capability available to the area power plant facilities continue to add value, along with sharing the water intake, rail spur, coal facilities and purchasing electricity from Basin Electric.

The medical services team at Dakota Gas provides a benefit to employees that saves on medical costs. Dr. Tom Kaspari and his staff see employees throughout the cooperative, traveling between the facilities each month. Employees save time away from their jobs, as well as the cost of an office visit, by seeing Dr. Kaspari at their job site. Whether employees are visiting medical services for their yearly physicals, a random drug test, a rash, strained back, respiratory infection or the annual influenza injection, Dr. Kaspari and his staff are available to provide on-the-spot medical care.

Emergency services provide coverage not only at the

Synfuels Plant, but also to area Basin Electric facilities and the local communities. A fleet of two ambulances and five fire and rescue vehicles are available for emergency response and have aided in emergencies in Mercer County, as well as at area electric-generating facilities. Having trained emergency medical technicians, nurses, a family nurse practitioner and doctor on staff, ready to respond at a moment’s notice to save lives, is more than valuable, it’s invaluable.

Full-scale mass casualty exercises held in 2013 and 2014 are an example of the efforts to improve emergency response and coordination within the community. The exercises were coordinated by Synfuels Plant personnel with the assistance of the Mercer County emergency manager and Local Emergency Planning Committee. Participants included representatives from local fire departments, emergency medical services, law enforcement, hospitals and the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. This proactive approach provides value to Dakota Gas and Basin Electric, as well as the local communities and other energy facilities.

The ongoing study of Dakota Gas in relation to Basin Electric indicates continued benefit for Basin Electric, its members and surrounding communities. Basin Electric’s members made a wise investment in Dakota Gas in 1988 to support the goal of minimizing and stabilizing the cost of power. And this benefit can be seen even when Dakota Gas profit margins are low as a result of commodity prices.

Urea Plant Taking Shape A Dakota Gasification Company project to add a urea plant to the company’s Beulah, N.D., complex is on schedule and within budget.

Several milestones have been realized recently as urea project activities at Dakota Gasification Company’s Great Plains Synfuels Plant continue to ramp up.

Jim Greer, senior project manager, said the project is on schedule and within budget.

The $500 million urea plant construction project began last year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2016. During the first quarter of 2017, the equipment will be commissioned with product ready for sale by second quarter 2017. The addition of the urea plant will bring three additional products for sale from the Synfuels Plant: urea, diesel exhaust fluid, commonly referred to as DEF, and liquefied carbon dioxide.

Urea is a dry, solid crystalline containing 46 percent nitrogen that is widely used in the agricultural industry as a fertilizer and sometimes as animal feed.

The project’s first piece of steel was erected for the melt building the end of October. Pipe-rack steel was also put in place in early November, an important part of the project, as it will hold the pipe that will bring anhydrous ammonia from the storage tank to the urea plant. Another important milestone in the project included completing the underground cooling water pipeline.

Some of the major pieces of equipment are

also arriving was the granulator, the heart of the granulation building, was delivered last week from Germany.

Three very large pieces of equipment for the project are expected on site soon. The high pressure scrubber, high pressure stripper and pool reactor were fabricated by Stamicarbon in Ternitz, Austria. The equipment was loaded onto a barge on the Danube River in October and traveled to the Port of Antwerp, Belgium. From Belgium, the equipment was sent to the Port of Houston, Texas, where it was loaded onto rail cars. The railcars transported the equipment to the Synfuels Plant in November Engineering for the project is about 93 percent complete, with more than 300 contract employees on site working on the project. Greer said that number will continue to grow over the coming months with RUST, the general contractor, actively recruiting contractors for the project.

“RUST has set up a recruiting trailer in the craft parking lot, where they are interviewing, drug testing and safety training new employees hired to work on the project,” Greer said. “They will continue to add staff and more trades as the project continues.”

Other activities include the electric duct bank work for the primary distribution of power from Substation 28 to Substation 29.

“We are finalizing the construction power plan for the project, which will include supplying about

five megawatts of electricity for the project site,” Greer said.

Great Southwestern Construction of Castle Rock, Colo., is the electrical contractor who will pull the 69 kV transmission line to the site and install the substation.

Concrete pours also continue with grade beams and pile caps in the melt and granulation buildings.

“These beams will connect the building laterally, holding the foundation together,” Greer said. A pad for the carbon dioxide compressor building, as well as a tabletop, elevated platform for the carbon dioxide compressor, are also being poured.

Marten Brenny is building the control room for the urea plant and has completed the shell, walls and roof. They are currently working indoors, putting up wall frames for interior rooms.

US Wick Drain finished the storage building rigid inclusions work at the end of October, ahead of schedule and within budget. They demobilized and are no longer on plant site.

The pipe fabrication contract was recently awarded to Enerpipe of New London, Wis. They have purchased the carbon steel to fabricate the necessary pipe for the project.

The civil contract for the materials handling and storage building was awarded in November.

Not only is the project on schedule and within budget, Greer said it is also progressing safely.

“RUST just had a 100-day celebration for strong safety performance.”

Cooperative Connections • February 2016 13

All About That LED

Efficiency, Longevity of LED Bulbs Make Technology Shine Bright

L

EDs are one of today’s most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technologies. Once used mainly for commercial use, LED bulbs are gaining popularity as a home-lighting option that saves money and energy.

LEDs (light emitting diodes) are different from traditional lighting sources because they don’t “burn out.” Rather, the amount of light produced decreases.

levels, don’t have a long service life or make exaggerated energy savings claims.

Look for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR logo on LED lighting.

ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs meet strict quality and efficiency standards that are tested by accredited labs and certified by a third party. The ENERGY STAR logo guarantees high efficiency, ® color quality and steady light output over the bulb’s lifetime, and a warranty.

Only bulbs have earned the ENERGY STAR While label have independently Benefits of LEDthat lighting: LEDsbeen are more expensive up front, the certified and undergone extensive testing to assure that they will save energy andsavings of • Energy efficiency. true value is in the lifetime and long-term perform as promised.

• Environmentally friendly due to no mercury the bulb. content.

Compared to a traditional incandescent bulb, an • Durable qualH Use 70-90% less energy than incandescent bulbs H Last 10 to 25 times longer than ity that is resistant incandescent bulbs Save you $30 to $80 in energy bills H to breakage and Help protect the environment H H Provide the same brightness (lumens) with can withstand and prevent climate change less energy (watts) ® rough conditions.

• Perform well in extremely cold BULB TYPES temperatures, especially outdoors.

TABLE OR FLOOR • Instant light LAMPS when turned on.

SPIRAL A SHAPE • Frequent PENDANT switching on and FIXTURES off doesn’t impact SPIRAL A SHAPE GLOBE MR16 CANDLE LED’s lifetime.

• Can be CEILING FIXTURES dimmed and SPIRAL A SHAPE CANDLE produce a more ENERGY STAR certified CFLlight. and pleasing CEILING

LIGHTING MADE EASY Just Look for the ENERGY STAR

How to choose the right ENERGY STAR qualified light bulb

LED bulbs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes for any application—Look for the ENERGY STAR® including recessed cans, track lighting, Many LED table lamps, and more. You can even products found on find certified bulbs that arestore dimmable. shelves are of Use this chart as a guide to finding poor quality.

Some the right ENERGY STAR certified bulb are manufactured of the for your light fixtureoutside and remember United States with to always check the packaging for components that proper use.

produce low light

14 February 2016 • Cooperative Connections BRIGHTNESS

FANS

SPIRAL

A SHAPE

CANDLE

SPIRAL

A SHAPE

GLOBE

MR16

SPOT

FLOOD

MR16

SPOT

WALL SCONCES

RECESSED CANS

CANDLE

ACCENT LIGHTING

COLOR /APPEARANCE

ENERGY STAR-qualified LED bulb: • Can last about 22 years, or as much as 25 times longer.

• Uses only 20 percent to 25 percent of the energy.

• Produces about 70 percent to 90 percent less heat, making it safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.

Light your home with the same amount of light for less money ENERGY STAR certified bulbs use 70 percent to 90 percent less energy than incandescents, last 10 to 25 times longer, and save you $30 to $80 in energy bills over their lifetime.

25 43-watt incandescent light bulb

Total cost $100

2.5 13-watt ENERGY STAR certified light bulb

1 12-watt ENERGY STAR certified light bulb

Total cost $35

Total cost $35

Color/appearance ENERGY STAR certified bulbs are available in a wide range of colors. Light colors, or appearance, matches a temperature on the Kelvin scale (K). Lower K means warmer, yellowish light, while higher K means cooler, bluer light.

Saving green by being green The average home has more than 50 light bulbs.

• By changing one light bulb, you can save between $30 and $80 in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb.

Cooperative Connections • February 2016 15

regional Dateline

Events of Special Note

January 22-23 Monster Jam, Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7288

January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing, Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD 1-800-468-6463 January 24, 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish, SD, 605-642-7973 www.matthewsopera.com January 29-30 35th Annual Farm, Home and Sport Show, Armory Webster, SD, 605-345-4468

January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Rapid City, SD 605-355-3861 January 30 Jason Aldean, 7:30 p.m.

Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288

January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert, Eureka, SD jalvarez@mmgyglobal.com February 2 High Voltage Safety Demonstration, 8:30 and 10 a.m., Barnett Arena Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD, 605-224-8823

Photo CoURtESY oF ChAD CoPPESS, S.D. toURISM

January 23 Coors Light Extreme Indoor Enduro, Rapid City, SD 605-394-4115

January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout, 12:45 to 8:30 p.m., Deadwood, SD 605-578-1876

To have your event listed on this page, send complete information, including date, event, place and contact to your local electric cooperative.

Include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Information must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to your event.

Please call ahead to confirm date, time and location of event.

February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown, SD, 605-886-7335

February 19-20 Second Annual Frost Fest Brookings, SD, 605-692-6125

February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show, Convention Center Sioux Falls, SD, 605-231-3100 www.winterfestofwheels.com

February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115

February 6 Sioux Empire on Tap Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288 February 7 South Dakota’s Largest Tailgate Party, Deadwood, SD 605-578-1876 February 9-13 Winter Farm Show Watertown, SD, 605-886-5814 February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 p.m., Renner, SD 605-543-5071

February 26-28 Sioux Empire Wacipi Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288 March 5-8 2016 Summit League Basketball Championship Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288 March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MST Philip, SD, 605-859-2635 605-859-2280, 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219

March 18-20 South Dakota Taxidermy Competition and Convention Watertown, SD, 712-540-5868 March 19-20 Curt Carter Memorial Gun Show, Watertown, SD 605-793-2347 April 2-3 Annual Hat’s Off to the Artists Art Show, Faulkton, SD 605-598-6525 April 2-3 Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288 April 8 The Big Grape, 7 to 10 p.m.

Sioux Falls, SD, 605-322-8900 April 8-10 Sioux Empire Film Festival Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-4616